Whether you prefer Beyoncé, the Beatles, or Beethoven, music makes your life better. And with the array of wireless and Bluetooth speakers on the market, it’s easier than ever to enjoy high-quality sound, both at home and on the go.
Bluetooth and WiFi speakers provide simple, cable-free connections that don’t sacrifice sound quality. And you don’t have to spend a lot to get all that. We test speakers that range in price from $25 to $1,000-plus—and there are decent choices for every budget.
If you want to take your tunes to the beach or just to the backyard, consider a water-resistant speaker that features a rechargeable battery with plenty of power. And if you have a large home, consider a model that works as part of a versatile multiroom system.
In our testing program, we put hundreds of wireless and Bluetooth speakers through the paces. Our trained testers evaluate factors like versatility and ease of use, including a speaker’s ability to pair easily and maintain a wireless connection. But most of the weight in our ratings is placed on sound quality, because a speaker that’s easy to use isn’t much good if it sounds lousy.
WiFi or Bluetooth Speakers—or Both?
There are two ways to go wireless: WiFi and Bluetooth. WiFi speakers connect to your home network. Because most of them run on AC power, they usually require an outlet. Bluetooth speakers pair directly with a device such as a phone or a laptop. They tend to be compact and battery-powered, which makes them more portable. Some models offer both connection options.
Let Your Listening Location Help You Pick the Best Wireless Speaker
To choose the right speaker, think a little about where you’re likely to be using it.
Outdoors: If you’re an outdoor cat, consider a portable Bluetooth model that can sit near your grill and pump out tunes while you flip burgers, then follow you around the yard if you want to listen to your favorite podcast after dinner. Pick a compact model and you’ll conserve space on the patio or picnic table, or just choose a speaker that comes in a fun color that matches your tablecloth.
Many models are water-resistant and can withstand a shower or splash from a spilled drink, while others offer even more robust protection and can be submerged without damage.
Indoors: If you’re an indoor cat, think about the location of your electrical outlets and the strength of the WiFi network signal in different parts of your home before deciding on an AC-powered WiFi model.
Placement can also affect a speaker’s performance. You typically want the music source, such as your smartphone, to stay within 33 feet of a Bluetooth speaker. Bluetooth models also work best with a clear line of sight to the source. Walls, large objects, and even people between your speaker and the music source can cause those annoying audio dropouts.
WiFi models are better at handling greater distances and physical obstructions between the music source and the speakers. Under ideal conditions, you might be able to maintain a connection with a speaker that’s more than 200 feet from the router, but 100 to 150 feet is a more typical range.
Features for Wireless and Bluetooth Speakers
Whether you’re all about that bass or prefer a more refined sonic presentation, you’ll want certain functions so that you can take control of your wireless speaker.
Inputs and Outputs
Many wireless speakers also feature auxiliary audio inputs that can be used to connect source components, such as a TV or an old CD player or cassette deck, directly to the unit via a cable. Some portables include jacks for a microphone (for karaoke or DJ work) or even an electric guitar or other musical instrument. Many larger speakers can now charge your phone or tablet via a USB port. An optical digital audio input can connect devices like a Blu-ray/DVD/CD player.
Connectors and Docks
Depending on the model, you may be able to connect a smartphone or other device via a USB cable, which can eliminate those annoying dropouts that affect some wireless connections. You’ll probably need the right cable for your device. Older iPhones have a nine-pin Lightning connector, while Android phones and the newest iPhones are likely to have a USB-C jack.
Smart Speaker Functionality
CR is now testing select smart speakers as wireless speakers. Smart speaker functionality like the ability to access your playlists via voice commands, ask questions of a digital assistant, and even set cooking timers can make a smart speaker easy to use, but we still weight the sound quality most heavily.
Remote Control
Voice recognition may seem like a fun way to turn up the volume when you don’t want to leave the dance floor, but in reality, it can be hit or miss. A remote control or an app on a smart device usually provides a more reliable way to operate your speaker from a distance.
Online Music Services
In addition to streaming digital audio from a smartphone or a laptop, some wireless speakers offer direct access to streaming music services such as Spotify, Amazon Music, and Pandora.
Hands-Free Speakerphone Functionality
This feature lets you take phone calls directly on your speaker.
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